Plastic container with flexible base and rigid sidewall portion

ABSTRACT

A plastic container is disclosed that includes a sidewall portion and a base portion. In embodiments, the sidewall portion is configured to be rigid and substantially resist internal vacuum forces associated with the container, and the base is configured to flex in response to such internal vacuum forces.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/648,647, filed Dec. 29, 2009, currently pending, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/141,812, filed Dec. 31, 2008. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/702,370, filed Feb. 9, 2010 currently pending, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/151,363, filed Feb. 10, 2009. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/665,441, filed Jun. 28, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/716,932, filed Oct. 22, 2012. The entire contents of all of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of plastic containers, including plastic containers having features to accommodate pressurization and/or hot-fill conditions.

BACKGROUND

Currently a significant number of plastic containers are filled with liquids and other contents at elevated temperatures. However, as the product or contents within the container cools, the volume taken up by the product or contents decreases, which can lead to the creation of vacuum forces within the container. Containers that are intended to be filled by a “hot-fill” process are commonly referred to as hot-fill containers. The design of hot-fill containers is influenced by, among other things, a desire to account for anticipated product or content cooling/shrinkage and associated forces.

SUMMARY

A plastic container is disclosed that includes a sidewall portion and a base portion. In embodiments, the sidewall portion is configured to be rigid and substantially resist internal vacuum forces associated with the container, and the base is configured to flex in response to such internal vacuum forces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plastic container exhibiting features associated with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a plastic container exhibiting features associated with the present disclosure, and shown in a first condition;

FIG. 9 is a left side elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the container illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a right side elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the container illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plastic container similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8, and shown in a second condition;

FIG. 16 is a left side elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the container illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a right side elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the container illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a rear elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container illustrating features associated with a lower sidewall portion;

FIG. 23A through FIG. 23F generally represent the cross-sectional shape of the sidewall of the container taken at several vertical positions;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of a container generally illustrating a base in a first condition and a second condition; and

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional representation of another embodiment of a container generally illustrating a base in a first condition and a second condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the disclosure and appended claims.

An embodiment of a plastic container 10 having features associated with the disclosure is generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7. The container 10 may be comprised of one or more various polymers including, without limitation, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In embodiments the container may also be biaxially oriented, which may be the result of, for example, a stretch blow-molding process. The invention is not, however, limited to the type or style of container shown, and various other sizes and configurations may come within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 2, a container 10 may include a base 20, a lower sidewall portion 30, and an upper sidewall portion 40.

By employing base configuration teachings such as those included in the teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/648,647, which as previously noted is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, the base 20 (such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 6, 13, and 20 of the instant application) may include portions configured to, among other things, move or flex in response to internal vacuum pressure/forces. In embodiments, the base 20 can be configured to accommodate nearly all or substantially all of the internal vacuum pressure or forces (particularly as compared to the sidewall portions of the container) that may be occasioned by or associated with the cooling of a hot-fill product or contents.

With embodiments, the base 20 may include an outer support portion (which may take the form of an outer annular support ring); a first inversion portion (e.g., first inversion ring adjacent to and radially inward from the outer annular support ring); a flat or step portion provided radially inward of the first inversion portion; a structured formation ring; a second inversion portion radially inward of the structural formation ring; and a central portion. Further with embodiments, a central portion may include a domed or elevated portion, including those provided in connection with various conventional containers. Additionally, if desired, the base portion 20 may also include one or more structural reinforcing formations. For some embodiments, one or more structural reinforcing formations may be included at least partially within the central portion.

Further, as generally illustrated in the figures, the upper sidewall portion 40 may include various structural formations 50 (see, for example and without limitation, the alternating/staggered “brick-like” formations noted in FIG. 2). Such structural formations can help serve to resist sidewall deformation that might be encountered in connection with internal content vacuum or pressure forces.

Moreover, with embodiments, as generally illustrated in the figures, the lower sidewall portion 30 may include various panel portions and/or other formations. However, in contrast with a number of conventional containers, such sidewall “panel” portions—while possibly exhibiting aesthetic (i.e., looking like conventional vacuum panels) and/or some functional characteristics (e.g., being configured to facilitate gripping)—are not intended or configured to accommodate internal vacuum forces or pressures attributable to the cooling of hot-fill products or contents. As previously mentioned, as between the sidewall portions and the base, in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure the base is configured to flex to accommodate nearly all or substantially all such internal vacuum pressure or forces. By way of example and without limitation, an embodiment of a base with a portion shown in a first condition, generally designated “F” (e.g., before the cooling of hot-filled contents) and a second condition, generally designated “S” (e.g., after the cooling of hot-filled contents) is generally illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 8 through 14 and FIGS. 15 through 21 generally illustrate an embodiment of a plastic container shown in a first and second conditions, respectively. FIGS. 8 through 14 generally illustrate an embodiment of a container shown prior to a base treatment process. FIGS. 15 through 21 illustrate the container after the base has been treated. For example, and without limitation, the base 20 may be thermally treated such as taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/702,370 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/665,441, which are incorporated herein by reference.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 9, 11, 12, and 14, prior to treatment of the base 20, a portion of the base (e.g., an intermediate standing portion 70) may extend below a broader (larger diameter) portion of the base 20 (i.e., which will encompass the support portion of the base post-treatment). In embodiments, such portion (e.g., intermediate standing portion 70) of the base may be configured to provide a generally stable “intermediate” support for the container. Such portion may be configured to be sufficiently wide and substantially flat so as to provide acceptable stability. Such “intermediate” stability can be useful in connection with the intermediate transfer or transporting of the container. In an embodiment, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 13, the area provided between a dome portion (generally designated 90) and a structured formation ring (generally designated 100) may be provided to be generally or substantially flat in a pre-treatment condition. By way of example and without limitation, an embodiment of a base with a portion shown in a first condition, generally designated “F” (e.g., before treatment) and a second condition, generally designated “S” (e.g., after treatment) is generally illustrated in FIG. 25. As generally shown in the embodiment disclosed in connection with FIG. 25, in a first (e.g., pre-treatment) condition the lowermost (standing surface) of the base may extend perceptibly below the lowermost (standing surface) provided in a second (e.g., post-treatment) condition. Also, as generally illustrated, the lowermost surface of the base in a first (e.g., pre-treatment) condition may be substantially flat and/or the associated “contact” surface of the base in such first condition may, for example and without limitation, comprise about one-third or more, of the lower surface area of the base portion.

FIG. 22 generally depicts a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container similar to that shown in the preceding drawing figures. To illustrate optional features associated with the present concept, cross-sectional representations of the lower sidewall portion taken at several vertical positions are general shown in FIG. 23A through FIG. 23F. It is noted that while the thickness of the sidewall portion may, if desired vary in the vertical direction, the thickness as represented in the lines in FIGS. 23A through 23F generally are substantially consistent.

While the present disclosure is not limited to such specifics, the following specifics and dimensions may, for example and without limitation, be associated with an embodiment of a container 10 as generally illustrated in FIG. 22:

Diameter D1—the diameter may be size appropriate for a standard-type 38 mm closure;

Diameter D2—approx. 3.576 inches (90.83 mm)

Diameter D3—approx. 1.375 inches (34.93 mm)

Diameter D4—approx. 3.576 inches (90.83 mm)

Vertical Height H1—approx. 8.310 inches (211.08 mm)

Vertical Height H2—approx. 0.691 inches (17.55 mm)

Vertical Height H3—approx. 0.200 inches (5.08 mm)

Vertical Height H4—approx. 7.619 inches (193.53 mm)

Vertical Height H5—approx. 0.577 inches (14.66 mm)

A container such as generally illustrated in FIG. 22 may, for example, have an internal volume of about 32 ounces. Such a container may, for example and without limitation, have an empty weight of about 35 grams±2 grams. For some embodiments, a 32 fl. oz. container embodying teachings associated with the present disclosure may weigh less than about 40 grams, and for some applications may more preferably weigh less than 36 grams.

As illustrated in connection with FIGS. 23A, 23C, 23D, and 23E, the shape of the lower sidewall portion may not be completely circular, and may include visually perceptible segments with variable radii. Additionally, as also generally represented in FIGS. 23A through 23F, the outer diameter of the lower sidewall portion of the container may be configured such that is varies at different positions in the vertical direction.

While the present disclosure is not limited to such specifics, the following dimensions may, for example and without limitation, be associated with the section views generally illustrated in connection with FIGS. 22A through 22F:

A1—approx. 3.017 inches (76.62 mm)

A2—approx. 3.092 inches (78.55 mm)

B1—approx. 3.316 inches (84.23 mm)

B2—approx. 3.316 inches (84.23 mm)

C1—approx. 3.128 inches (79.45 mm)

C2—approx. 2.908 inches (73.87 mm)

D1—approx. 3.254 inches (82.66 mm)

D2—approx. 2.910 inches (73.92 mm)

E1—approx. 3.382 inches (85.89 mm)

E2—approx. 3.136 inches (79.65 mm)

F1—approx. 3.482 inches (88.44 mm)

F2—approx. 3.482 inches (88.44 mm)

Again, while some specific dimensions may be disclosed in connection with embodiments of the container illustrated in the drawing figures (e.g., FIG. 22 and FIGS. 23A through 23F), such dimensions are exemplary only, and the present concept is not limited to such dimensions.

With embodiments of the present disclosure, plastic containers may be configured to include a base having a portion to accommodate internal vacuum pressure or forces and a sidewall portion that is substantially devoid of conventional vacuum panels. Such containers may, if desired, be configured to include a lower sidewall portion that facilitates gripping and/or has cross sections that are not completely circular (i.e., have radii that vary at a given vertical level).

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plastic container comprising: a sidewall portion; and a base; wherein the sidewall portion is configured to be rigid and substantially resist internal vacuum forces associated with the container, and the base is configured to flex in response to such internal vacuum forces. 